This past weekend, I saw Baz Luhrmann’s new epic, Australia, starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman. I must preface this by saying that I generally enjoy almost any movie I see in the movie theatre, because (a) I just love going to the movies, and (b) my simple brain allows me to be entertained by pretty much anything. Regardless, since this movie is almost three hours long, I figured it would be helpful to you if I shared my thoughts, so you can be informed when deciding whether or not to dedicate an evening of your precious time to this film. I’ve rated various facets of the movie using Hugh Jackman’s face, on a scale of 1 (worst) to 5 (best):
STORY
Australia is set during World War II, just before Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, and subsequently, Australia’s coastal town of Darwin. An English aristocrat, Sarah Ashley (played by Nicole Kidman), has come to Australia to settle a large cattle property. Of course nothing goes according to plan and she must find a way to drive her cattle to the coast with the help of a rogue drover (Hugh Jackman). Along the way, she falls in love not only with the drover, but also the Australian landscape, culture, and a small half-aboriginal boy named Nullah (played by Brandon Walters). Bottom line: this is a big, epic story with broad, romantic strokes. I, of course, love that sh*t. I’d say this movie is kind of like a happy version of Legends Of The Fall.
Nevertheless, the reason I give the story only 3 Hugh faces is because there was just way too much happening that had to be packed in – even at nearly 3 hours, the movie felt like it had to cut and jump over major events to get to the ending. Also, at several points, I actually thought the movie was OVER, but then it would start again on an entirely new track.
ACTING
The acting was pretty good in this movie. Hugh Jackman was a perfect leading man (i.e. incredibly hot), and Nicole Kidman was able to carry the arc of her character fairly well – starting out the prim, stern aristocrat who must become vulnerable, and then strong again. I’ve heard some people complaining about her acting in this movie, but I figure those are people who complain about everything Kidman does. The shining star, however, is Brandon Walters, the child who plays Nullah. HE’S ADORABLE and makes the entire film.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
There’s no doubt about it: this movie is absolutely beautiful. Baz Luhrmann knows how to make stuff look very rich and textured. I have no idea what I’m talking about, but I think you’ll agree.
LENGTH
THIS MOVIE WAS WAY TOO LONG.
OVERALL
If you love big, epic romances that will make you feel the full spectrum of human emotions, make you laugh (a lot – Baz is funny after all), cry, and make you almost burst your bladder from sitting in a movie theatre nursing an extra large diet coke, then you will love Australia. It’s Baz Luhrmann’s love letter to his home nation and its history, and one thing’s for sure. It really makes you want to go visit that place. Even if just for the off chance of meeting a cheeky drover and a small child who will repeatedly “sing you to him.” FINALLY: SPOILER ALERT: THIS FILM CONTAINS A SCENE IN WHICH HUGH JACKMAN SHAKES WATER OFF HIS FACE MUCH LIKE IN THE PICTURES ABOVE! And for that alone, it is definitely worth the 3 hours.
